The 2026 Development Cup, the first tournament of the 2026-2027 University League season, is on this Sunday, November 15 in Derby! Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh, Southampton and Cambridge have travelled to the Derby Rugby Football Club to fight for first place.
With many new players coming into their first tournament, we asked university team leaderships to highlight some of the freshers worth watching in this weekend's competition.
Follow along with the action of Sunday's games on the Shot's On YouTube channel livestream.
See the full game schedule here.
Southampton
Note: University of Southampton will be joining forces with Edinburgh University for the 2026 Dev Cup, forming the Sea Hippos!
Matthew - Beater
"I don't think he's missed a training since his first and it really shows. He's going to be a monster beater; in many ways he already is."
Piet - Chaser & Seeker
"Fast, lanky, and very safe hands. He reminds me of Tash Meek in that he gets away with one-handed catches whilst on the move way too consistently; it's a very naughty habit but nonetheless impressive."
Edinburgh
Aqua - Beater
"The first ever training session Aqua came for, she pounced onto a loose bludger like it was the last one she’d ever touch. We knew from that moment that we had someone special on our side. Aqua has consistently arrived at almost every weekly training since and she’s developed well into a smart, capable beater, who’s taken to the game very quickly (quicker than I have, for that matter). Woe to any chaser that has to deal with her."
Samuel - Chaser
"When I first met Sam he told me he studies brewing and distillery for his university subject. I understand now that his degree is quite poetic, as you’ll have to be slightly under the influence if you’re confident about taking him down. A smart, contact seeking chaser, with great mobility and confidence on and off the ball. He’s someone to look out for no matter who you are on the pitch."
Mika - Chaser
"I’m told that Mika was convinced to come to a training session over a game of mahjong. I’m pretty glad she did. You know the saying, “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard?” Mika is what happens when you have both talent and hard work. She’s had an incredible aptitude for the sport this past month and she’s really worked hard to excel. I’m personally very excited to see her go out there and show everyone what being a Hippogriff is all about."
Cambridge
Yash - Chaser
"Yash has shown incredible dedication from day one, and has been to every Chronophages training. He is a keen learner and picks up new rules and skills like it's nothing! His focus and high intensity game will make him a player to watch for!"
Albert - Beater
"Albert is calm and cool, but don't let this fool you. He's been taking to quadball, and is quickly becoming a confident beater with a knack for pitch awareness. He can also throw very hard - don't get too close!!!"
Emily - Beater
"After being an avid quadball fan last year Emily started playing this summer, and has risen in confidence and skill non-stop. She quickly found herself drawn to beating and has been growing at some of the more complicated aspects in leaps and bounds. Definitely a threat to look out for!"
Shirley - Chaser
"At the very first training, Shirley threw herself into the game with so much passion she nearly ran herself into exhaustion. We saw this and knew that this was someone who was willing to put in the effort. She’s been an amazing addition to the team, and we pity any team that crosses her this development tournament!"
Oxford
Jan - Chaser
"An incredibly dynamic chaser with fantastic off ball instincts, Jan’s speed and agility make Jan an ever present offensive threat. Opponents can take their eyes off of him at their peril."
Ben - Beater
"You would never think that Ben was a fresher if you saw him play. He learns and adapts tactically so quickly that, given his commitment to flawless training attendance, naturally talented technical skills are his second strongest asset."
